According to legend, monkey characters are often seen as mischievous, have little respect for authority and are often opportunistic in business.

They are thrill seekers and have an ability to fantasise but are said to be cool under pressure. Similar to the western sign of Leo, they get on best with people born in the year of the dragon or rat and can easily make enemies of people born in the year of the tiger.

Events to celebrate the new year in Liverpool will include schoolchildren learning about Chinese art, dancing and culture.

Chinatown will also host the famous lion dance when two martial artists or acrobats will dance under a costume and visit every home and business. It will eat green lettuce leaves put out for it at every door as part of ancient tradition and then spit them out, symbolising that there will be plenty for everyone in the coming year.

Red packets with money inside are also exchanged and lucky foods are eaten, which have names that sound like wealth and happiness or are believed to have lucky shapes.

Fire crackers are set off to frighten away the last monster on earth, who destroyed all other demons, and was about to wipe out mankind until he was scared by loud noises.